Dreading the daily grind? Not so for UK employees, who are happy, motivated & ambitious

News: One third of IT workers thing think feeling valued in a job is a top priority.

Contrary to misconceptions that the UK is a nation of disgruntled employees pushing paper, a survey has found that British employees are a happy lot, including those from the IT sector.

The study found that a third of IT workers feel inspired to succeed every day, with 70% feeling positive in the workplace for more than three days a week.

One third of IT workers think that feeling valued in a job is a top priority, while 56% of the workers surveyed are self-motivators and strive to succeed.

The study by Argos for Business found that over a quarter believe that recognition for hard work is a motivating factor.

More than two-thirds of UK workers enjoy a collaborative working environment and they expect supporting language and encouragement to motivate them throughout the workday.

Argos for Business head of key clients Emma Glennon said: "Our new research casts a positive light on the UK industry, with employees proving to be happy at work and championing team spirit. This contradicts the doom and gloom stories about the daily grind.

"The team dynamic findings are interesting as they show a delicate balance between working as a collective, while being self-motivated. This ‘best-of-both-worlds’ type of work ethos stimulates personal satisfaction and ambition, within collaborative and positive working environments."

The study analysed the behavior of the British workers and found that two thirds of the employees want to be part of team which fosters better team dynamics.

During the study it was found that the most popular type of personality among workers is ‘Captain Questions’, with a fifth of workers placing themselves in this category. These kinds of workers are the most likely candidates to call collective brainstorms to reach a decision and also the most likely to encourage free-thinking and offer thanks for all suggestions and input.

Other popular types of worker personallities included ‘Independent Introverts’, who accounted for 15% of those surveyed, who make considered and informed decisions on their own before announcing them to others.

11% of workers were grouped under ‘Confident Creatives’, while over one in five were found to be ‘Big Idea Bot’ types.

The study also found that 56% of workers believe they themselves are their biggest motivators while one in seven are eager to motivate others than themselves.

A third of those surveyed say that even the smallest gesture of thanking people for their input will go long way in motivating while three quarters of workers remember a time when they were verbally praised.

MBE 3 x Olympic Medallist Roger Black said: "By giving your team members room to brainstorm and make collaborative decisions about what they do, you will see an increase in engagement and a greater commitment to tasks – because they have made it their own.

"Argos for Business’ research showed that taking on responsibility was the main motivator for over a quarter of UK employees, and this resonates in the workplace, as well as the sporting arena."

Glennon added: "That’s not to say self-starters who need little motivation from others should be overlooked when it comes to incentives and rewards, however.

"Instead companies should acknowledge and reward them in ways that suit the individual. Ultimately, a one size fits all approach is not advisable, particularly when you consider how many personalities make up a team."